The 2012 NJO Young Jazz Artist Competition
Perform with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Cornhusker Marriott, 333 South 13th Street, Lincoln NE

Cash Prizes
First Place $250  |  Second Place $100



The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1975 and performs throughout Nebraska and the Midwest.  Tours to Europe have included England, France, Germany, Scotland, and a 1997 performance at the prestigious Montreux International Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland.

"Proof positive that jazz isn't just a New York or New Orleans or Chicago or Kansas City thing." - Jazz Times  "... their overall sound resembles that of a polished studio band ... their join dedication to the principles of sectional precision ... is continually in evidence..." - Down Beat  "The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra is world class!!" - Bobby Watson
Past Winners:
2011 - Michael Grimm, saxophone, UNL
2010 - Tommy Krueger, trumpet, UNL
2009 - Karl Lyden, trombone, UNL
2008 - Andrew Janak, saxophone, Gross Catholic High School, Omaha
2007 - Gabriela Praetzel, saxophone, UNL
2006 - Paul Krueger, trumpet, UNL
2005 - Jordan Elsberry, piano, UNO
2004 - Brett Lindaman, trumpet, UNO
2003 - Tommy van den Berg, trombone, Lincoln Southeast
2002 - Alex Levitov, saxophone, Lincoln Southeast
2001 - Derek Molacek, trombone, Omaha Northwest
2000 - Bryant Scott, trombone, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
1999 - Seth Schoen, tenor sax, Lincoln High
1998 - Chris Steinke, saxophone, Lincoln Southeast
1997 - Broc Hernpel, piano, Lincoln Southeast
1996 - Frank Basile, baritone sax, Omaha Central

Rules, Guidelines & Eligibility

•  Open to musicians who have not reached their 22nd birthday on or before April 10, 2012. Previous winners are not eligible.

•  Instrumentation:  Saxophone  •  Trumpet  •  Trombone  •  Piano  •  Bass  •  Drums  •  Guitar  •  Strings
•  If selected, musicians MUST be available for the following:

REHEARSAL:  Monday, April 9, 2012 7:00-9:30 p.m.
O’Donnell Auditorium, Nebraska Wesleyan University, 50th & Huntington, Lincoln

SOUND CHECK:  Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Cornhusker Marriott, 333 South 13th Street, Lincoln

CONCERT: Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 7:30 p.m.
Cornhusker Marriott, 333 South 13th Street, Lincoln

•  Selected musicians must furnish transportation and instruments (except piano)

How To Apply:

•  A completed printed copy of the PDF below and a $5.00 non-refundable application fee must be submitted to Nebraska Jazz Orchestra

•  Make checks payable to Nebraska Jazz Orchestra

•  Applications must be postmarked by
Friday, February 17, 2012
 

The Audition Process:

•  Prepare a recorded audition (Cassette or CD).  Recordings should include two improvised solos with live or recorded accompaniment such as Jamey Aebersold recordings: One recording should include four choruses of blues in any key in a jazz (swing) style and the other should contain two choruses of a well-known jazz standard (not blues) in any key at any tempo (Latin styles and ballads are acceptable). Please indicate, with a note or on the recording, what piece you will be performing.

•  All Finalists will be notified by Friday, February 24, 2012 and be invited to a live audition on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. at Emerson Recital Hall in the Rogers Fine Arts Center, Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln.  Finalists will prepare two tunes, preferably in contrasting styles and tempos, and one tune as selected by the NJO Music Director. Finalists will be accompanied by the NJO rhythm section and will have a ten minute audition time which should be treated like a jazz concert or jam session. Memorization is encouraged but not required.

•  At the live audition, finalists must provide a hardcopy or digital photograph, a one-page biography and three (3) copies of the solo or lead sheet if the tunes are not in the Real Book or an Aebersold volume, or if the key is different from the standard key for that tune. The music that the finalists bring for the rhythm section must be in concert key.

•  The winner will be notified immediately following the audition.

•  All travel expenses are to be paid by auditionees.

         Download the application now!  Click here.